LAOS-NORTHERN HERITAGE LUANG PRABANG

LUANG PRABANG

CAPITAL :LUANG PRABANG

TOTAL AREA : 16875 SQUARE KILOMETRES

POPULATION : 447 541

Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO WORLD HERIATGE SITE for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment.In the 14 th century Luang Prabang town was the site where King Fa Ngum founded the first Lao Kingdom,Lane Xang.Luang Prabang remained the capital of Lane xang until 1565 when the capital was moved to Vientiane and afterward continued to serve as the country’s spiritual and religious centre.

Visitors to Luang Prabang are charmed by the “small town” friendly atmosphere. The town itself offers several unique insights into the history of the region, through excellently preserved Buddhist temples, museums and a variety of Lao,Tai –Lue,Burmese, Chinese and Tai architecture.

 Markets in Luang Prabang sell a large variety of traditional goods.The town is famous for its unique textiles and beautiful mulberry paper. Famous foods in Luang Prabang are “ Aur Lam” (a  thick stew made with the forest herb ‘sakhan”, meat and eggplants), “jaew bong” , a sauce made with hot chilies and buffalo skin and “khai pan”-dried river weed slightly fried with sesame seeds and garlic.

Some of the most visited sites in Luang Prabang Town are Vat Xieng Thong.Mount Phou Si, Vat Visounnarth, the former Royal Palace and Vat Manolom.Equally beautiful are the lesser known temples across the Mekong River in Chomphet district You can take a 1.5 hour walk through the hills and forest opposite the main town to explore the old temple sites and peaceful environment. 

Just outside of the main town are the beautiful Tad Kuang Si Waterfall,Tham Ting Caves, Ban Xang Hai Village and the tiered waterfall Tad Sae.Further out is Muang Ngoi Kao, a quiet village located on the banks of the Nam Ou River surrounded by high karst mountains and sheer limestone cliffs. You can visit these sites on your own or use the services of one of the many tour operators based in town.

Luang Prabang celebrates all of the major Lao Festivals in style .The largest , Pi Mai or Lao New Year takes place officially from 13-15 April, butin Luang Prabang the festival often lasts a full week with a trade fair, “Miss Lao New year” contest, parades and religious ceremonies. In late December is Hmong New Year.This performances and other cultural ceremonies.In Luang Prabang, the annual boat races are held in late September, one month earlier than Vientiane and most other place in the country.

While in Luang Prabang, you may observe the morning alms giving ceremony where monks walk through town in single file carrying their alms bowls to give lay peppe the opportunity to offer alms and gain merit. Offerings by the people are usually comprised of sticky rice, fruit or simple traditional snacks.

 Known as “binthabat” in Lao, this is a sacred religious ceremony.Tourists may participate in and photograph the ceremony, however ,the people of Luang Prabang, especially the monks, ask that this is done is a respectful way and visitors do everything they cannot disrupt this ancient tradition.